How do I choose the right French course for me?
There are numerous ways to study or improve French today, but what is the best method for you? Here is some advice about choosing the right solution if you decide to learn French.
What is the best course for my level?
People often think a course for beginners needs to be all about grammar and vocabulary, while a course for advanced learners is only conversation. But that’s not really true!
As a beginner you need to listen and speak as much as possible and in the process, you will learn some grammar and vocabulary naturally, as children do.
As an advanced learner you should continue to do the same! Constantly listening and speaking will help you process quicker new and more elaborated grammar and vocabulary elements.
So, make sure to do always begin your search with a comprehensive level test to understand at which point you need to start. It’s ideal to identify your level as precisely as possible because otherwise you risk having lessons that are either too difficult or too easy.
How can I study and have fun?
We truly believe that the most effective way to learn is to take an active role in your lessons and have fun. If your lessons are boring and you have a totally passive role, you will either give up or simply forget most of what you heard.
A great way to keep things dynamic and fun is to use a blended method of interactive lessons, plenty of speaking time and social activities with other students. By doing this, you can immediately put into practice what you have learnt, while looking forward to what comes next.
What kind of course will help improve my spoken French?
We often hear students say, “I know all the French grammar, I just need to speak more”.
Most of these students find themselves feeling uncomfortable when having a conversation in French, or worse, not being able to follow the conversation.
To improve your spoken French, you need to follow the natural logic that we followed when we learned our native tongue: listen to language used in context, copy it and gain confidence in saying it, and then reproduce it yourself in conversation.
This system of natural acquisition of language is valid at every level, from beginners to advanced learners. So, make sure you look for a French course that follows a structured program, introducing and reviewing new language all the time, and not just lessons of grammar or only lessons of conversation.
Is it better to do an individual or group course?
There are advantages to both individual courses and group courses. Doing an individual course enables you to go at your own rhythm, giving you flexibility and extra time to practice. And when you have a busy period you can simply pause your studies.
On the other hand, doing a group course can be funnier from a social point of view and is also useful in helping you learn from others.
So ideally, you want to find a course that lets you go at your own velocity, adapting to your needs, and at the same time offers the chance to study with others, even if it’s in additional social activities.
How can I be sure the course method works?
With the large number of courses now available online and in school, it’s hard to know which courses really work and can guarantee success.
In order to be sure you can trust a learning method, we recommend you focus on organizations or French schools with considerable experience in language learning. You can also check out testimonials they have available on their website to get an idea of what students say about the course. A good school must also have qualified teachers, a well-structured course that follows international guidelines, and material that is modern, effective and fun.
Are there any additional questions you have to find the right course for you? You can reach out to us and we will gladly help you, no questions asked.
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